Vi Siemens and her three sisters have always been close and that relationship has been strengthened by their desire to do their part in preventing breast cancer. They have been participating in this landmark trial, sharing the daily bond of taking a pill and going for six-month check-ups.

The sisters lost their mother and two aunts to breast cancer so are only too aware of the risk they face. But they did not hesitate in their decision to join the trial.

"It wasn't a tough decision for me to participate at all," says Siemens. "All you have to do is look to the left or the right. Everybody knows somebody who's had breast cancer in their family. Somebody has to test these drugs."

Vi and her sisters know that they are part of something that can make a difference for themselves, for their family and for women everywhere.

"You're thinking about the next generation," says Vi. "You'd like to do something more than in just your own corner."

This trial is just one of three conducted by the NCIC CTG and funded by the Canadian Cancer Society which this year has been selected as "Best of ASCO". The other two studies include a landmark breast cancer prevention trial and one which found a more effective way to treat prostate cancer. Studies featured in Best of ASCO have the potential to change clinical practice around the world.

Source: CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY (NATIONAL OFFICE)